Make a White Russian

Nobody drinks a White Russian with the style of Jeff Bridges’ The Dude in The Big Lebowski (out on Blu-ray 22 August), but that doesn’t mean we can’t give it a decent go. Cocktail expert John Clay mixes one for us.

Get a glass “A short glass is preferable, 10-12oz in size — though The Dude drinks his from anything.”

Get ice “Fill the glass with as much ice as you can pack in. The more ice, the less it will dilute while drinking.”

Get vodka “In the late Forties, vodka was an exotic ingredient. The drink is named after Russian vodka which became popular among celebrities. Nowadays you can take your pick from around the world, but ensure it’s good stuff. You’ll also need Kahlua.”

Get mixing “Two-parts vodka to one-part Kahlua works best. Cocktails are all about ratios — the vodka should create a dryness that is mellowed by the sugar in the coffee liqueur.”

Get it white “In the US, ‘half and half’ is best, but in the absence of that in the UK full-fat milk will give the same rich feel. Don’t shake the drink — you’ll lose the bite from the vodka. Add the milk and stir with a teaspoon.”